Most common 2004 Mitsubishi Galant problems
Share of the 61 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Galant complaints by model year
Best Galant years: 2008, 2010, 2012. Years to avoid: 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
2004 Mitsubishi Galant recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
Mitsubishi is recalling 73,000 my 2004-2006 gallant passenger vehicles. During vehicle use, the ignition key interlock cable (which is a component of the interlock system) May allow the interlocking cam to fall forward and allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the gearshift mechanism is not in the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct these vehicles for the reported condition. The recall began on September 2, 2008. Owners May contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
What 2004 Mitsubishi Galant owners say
Body & structure
Drivers inside door panel loose; panel re-attached with clips by cool spring Mitsubishi second incident July 25, 2008; drivers inside door loose again, re-attached with clips by hallmark Mitsubishi third incident September 12, 2012 drivers inside door panel loose, could not re-attached with clips; need to order new inside door panel. Panel ordered and re-installed by (ntb) national tire and battery fourth incident, July 2014, passenger inside door panel loose; ntb and Firestone could not fix, need panel replaced. I have receipt for all these incidents. I cannot understand why the door panels will not stay attached on this car. Mitsubishi should reimburse me for all the expenses associated with previous repair of these panels and fix the panel for the rear door. I also need assurance and proof that they will repair at no cost any future panels that come loose as long as I own this car. …
Purchased a used 2004 mitusbishi Galant July 2007. Memorial day weekend 2007 passenger door jammed, unable to open or get out of door. Dealer replaced door panel out of "goodwill" November 07. Approx 2 months later, both front doors sticking and hard to open. Dealer replaced both door panels. Approx 1 month ago or less , driver door panel stuck again. Had to crawl across seats for approx one week to be able to drive. Dealer did not replace door panel even though last door panel still under warranty, merely reattached panel. First 2 cases, clips on door panels broke. 3rd case clips were not broken. Last weekend 5/24/08 passenger door panel stuck again. Cannot open passenger door. Have not returned to dealer yet, intend to go next couple days. First doing research. On last situation, service department saying mitusbishi claiming I am tearing up doors. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front driver side window became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver side window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. As a result, the front driver and passenger side windows failed to open or close. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
On sept. 23, 2008, I was waiting at a traffic light prior to getting on the freeway when my driver's door window shattered. The sound was as if it was hit by a large rock or tire iron. It seems the stress on the glass came from a failed window regulator. During the attempt to replace the window it was discovered that a window regulator cable had jumped/slipped off its plastic tracking roller. According to the auto glass repair tech, this created a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on the glass causing it to shatter. He told me I would have to purchase a new window regulator, before the window could be replaced. The item is not repairable according to the tech and dealership parts personnel. I hate to imagine what could have occurred if the vehicle was moving at 55 to 60 MPH when the window shattered. …
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant. While the vehicle was parked, a crack was noticed above the passenger side glove box. The air bag was visible. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
After spending money on drained battery and ruined alternator the mechanic noticed the security system being at fault . Pep Boys did not offer refund of almost $500.00
2004 Mitsubishi Galant engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant a good car?
Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Galant rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Galant at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant?
The body & structure — 16 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (10) and air bags (6).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, the most recent from June 20, 2008 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Galant?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2010 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002 and 2003. See the full Mitsubishi Galant years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Mitsubishi Galant problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.